Dennis McGuire
Columbus
Summary
Committed and principled attorney/executive with over 20 years of expertise in Labor & Employment Law, aiming to re-enter private sector and leverage leadership, litigation, and client advocacy skills in a new capacity.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
Columbus
11.2007 - 09.2025
- Directly oversaw legal practice of 52 attorneys and 9 paralegals in Employment/Labor Law and Litigation
- Litigated claims of discrimination under Title VII, ADEA, ADA/ADAAA, FMLA.
- Advised on Human Resources rules and policies.
- Conducted internal investigations into complaints of misconduct and harassment, and assisted in writing the national policy on internal investigations.
- Provided training nationally on conducting internal investigations.
- Provided advice on personnel actions.
- Expertise in disability discrimination law (ADA) and reasonable accommodation.
- Advised management representatives in union bargaining
- Provided management training on personnel matters related to above topics.
- Oversaw all litigation cases and provide input on strategy, case formulation, and risk assessments for settlement. Litigated cases in several administrative forums including EEOC, MSPB, FLRA and Labor grievance arbitrations/unfair labor practice charges.
- Advised on Health Care Law and Policy matters.
- Advised on Information Law matters.
ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EEO PROGRAM OFFICE
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Temporary assignment to the Office of Resolution Management Diversity & Inclusion as Executive Director for the agency-wide EEO Program in the Secretary's Office.
- Office objective is to investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination and harassment filed by agency employees.
- Responsible for overseeing approximately four hundred employees including ten Senior Leaders, and an annual budget of approximately one hundred and eighty million dollars.
STAFF ATTORNEY
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
01.2003 - 07.2007
- Litigated Employment/Labor cases before the EEOC, MSPB, FLRA, Grievance arbitrators and Federal District Court.
- Wrote briefs (trial and appellate), motions, discovery and other pleadings, memoranda, and white papers.
- Conducted depositions, hearings, and trials.
- Negotiated settlements and labor agreements.
- Advised on personnel actions.
- Conducted training for managers and HR staff.
- Advised on and conducted internal investigations.
THE MCGUIRE LAW OFFICE, LPA
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Handled all business aspects of the firm including supervision of associates and staff.
- Conducted all aspects of litigation from pre-complaint negotiations to trial. Jury trials in State and Federal Court.
- Appellate practice in the 6th and 7th Circuit and Ohio appellate and State Supreme Court.
- Won multiple six figure cases and one jury verdict in excess of a million dollars.
- Boutique Employment/Labor Law litigation firm (plaintiff).
Education
J.D. -
Capital University Law School
01.1994
B.A. -
Muskingum University
01.1989
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Organizational ability
- Leading Change
- Leading People
- Effective Communication
- Proactive Advocacy
- Strategic Thinking
- Flexibility/Agility
- Project Management
- Timely Accurate Legal Advice
- Drafting Pleadings
- Litigating in Court and Administrative Forums
- Technologically Savvy
- Policy writing
- Internal investigations
- Legal compliance
- Risk assessment
- Human resources advisory
- Effective communication
- Labor relations
- Discrimination law
- Litigation strategy
- Employee training
- Team leadership
Certification
Ohio Bar
Timeline
ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS EEO PROGRAM OFFICE
07.2024 - 01.2025
CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
11.2007 - 09.2025
STAFF ATTORNEY
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL
01.2003 - 07.2007
THE MCGUIRE LAW OFFICE, LPA
01.1997 - 01.2003
J.D. -
Capital University Law School
B.A. -
Muskingum University